What is the primary objective of TISAX?

TISAX's primary objective is to standardize information security assessments and enable secure exchange of results across the automotive supply chain. Developed by the ENX Association using the VDA ISA catalog (version 6.0), it verifies protection of sensitive data like prototypes, IP, and personal information against cyber threats. Assessments occur at three levels—AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (on-site)—tailored to protection needs (normal, high, very high), reducing duplicate audits via the ENX portal.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with TISAX?

TISAX is a contractual requirement, not legal, for automotive OEMs, Tier 1/2 suppliers, service providers, and logistics firms handling sensitive data. Mandated by OEMs like Volkswagen and BMW in RFPs, it applies to any entity processing OEM IP, prototypes, or ADAS software. Scalable for SMEs to multinationals; non-compliance excludes suppliers from contracts and portals.

Oes TISAX require an external audit or third-party certification?

Yes, TISAX requires external audits by ENX-accredited providers (e.g., DQS, TÜV) for AL2 and AL3 levels, issuing labels valid for three years. AL1 is self-assessment only (no label). Providers verify VDA ISA controls via document review, interviews, and on-site inspections for AL3 prototype protection.

How often should an assessment for TISAX be performed?

TISAX assessments must be fully reassessed every three years, with no mandatory surveillance audits. Continuous internal monitoring, PDCA cycles, and internal audits maintain maturity (level 3+). Reassess scopes upon major changes like new OEM contracts or VDA ISA updates.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with TISAX?

Non-compliance results in contract termination, lost revenue (e.g., €10-50M for mid-tier suppliers), and exclusion from OEM portals. ENX-partnered OEMs impose penalties up to 5% of contract value, plus €20K-€100K re-audit costs. Reputational damage and supply disruptions follow, as seen in 2021 IP hacks.

An TISAX be mapped to other international frameworks?

Yes, TISAX maps extensively to ISO 27001/27002, sharing ISMS principles, Annex A controls, and 70+ VDA ISA items. It extends with automotive specifics like prototype protection, enabling 20-30% efficiency in joint implementations via integrated audits.

What is the first step to begin implementing TISAX?

The first step is registering on the ENX portal (enx.com) and defining the Assessment Scope and Leadership Profile (ASLP). Download VDA ISA 6.0, conduct gap analysis across 7 control groups, and classify protection needs with OEMs.

What is the primary objective of APRA CPS 234?

APRA CPS 234 requires regulated entities to maintain an information security capability commensurate with vulnerabilities and threats to information assets, minimising the likelihood and impact of incidents on confidentiality, integrity or availability (CIA). This capability must enable continued sound operation and explicitly covers assets managed by related parties or third parties (paragraphs 15–16). Boards hold ultimate responsibility (paragraph 13), with requirements commencing 1 July 2019.

Who is legally or professionally required to comply with APRA CPS 234?

APRA CPS 234 applies to all APRA-regulated entities, including authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs), general insurers, life companies, private health insurers, and RSE licensees (paragraph 2). For Heads of groups, it extends group-wide, including non-regulated entities (paragraph 4). Foreign ADIs, Category C insurers and eligible foreign life insurers comply for Australian branches only (paragraph 3). Third-party assets comply from the earlier of contract renewal or 1 July 2020 (paragraph 6).

Does APRA CPS 234 require an external audit or third-party certification?

APRA CPS 234 does not mandate external audits or third-party certification but requires internal audit to review design and operating effectiveness of information security controls, including those of related parties and third parties (paragraphs 32–34). Internal audit must assess third-party assurance if relying on it for material-impact assets (paragraph 34). Systematic testing must use appropriately skilled, functionally independent specialists (paragraph 30).

How often should an assessment for APRA CPS 234 be performed?

APRA CPS 234 requires the testing program to be reviewed at least annually or upon material change to information assets or the business environment (paragraph 31). Testing frequency is commensurate with vulnerability/threat change rate, asset criticality/sensitivity, incident consequences, untrusted environment exposure and asset changes (paragraph 27). Incident response plans must be reviewed and tested annually (paragraph 26).

What are the consequences of non-compliance with APRA CPS 234?

Non-compliance with APRA CPS 234 exposes entities to APRA's prudential powers, including directions, penalties and heightened supervision under enabling Acts. Entities must notify APRA within 72 hours of material incidents (paragraph 35) or 10 business days of material control weaknesses not remediable timely (paragraph 36). APRA may adjust requirements in writing (paragraph 11). Breaches risk operational disruption and stakeholder harm.

Can APRA CPS 234 be mapped to other international frameworks?

Yes, APRA CPS 234's outcomes-based requirements for commensurate capability, controls, testing and assurance align with frameworks like ISO 27001 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework. It emphasises board accountability (paragraph 13) and notification timelines (paragraphs 35–36), complementing ISO's ISMS structure and NIST's Identify-Protect-Detect-Respond-Recover functions for operationalising obligations.

What is the first step to begin implementing APRA CPS 234?

The first step for implementing APRA CPS 234 is for the Board to assume ultimate responsibility and define information security roles and responsibilities across the entity (paragraphs 13–14). This establishes governance, enabling asset classification by criticality/sensitivity (paragraph 20) and policy framework development (paragraphs 18–19).

Standards Comparison

TISAX vs APRA CPS 234

TISAX

Mandatory

2017

Automotive standard for information security assessments exchange

APRA CPS 234

Mandatory

2019

Australian prudential standard for information security resilience

Quick Verdict

TISAX provides standardized assessments for automotive supply chains, enabling trust and market access, while APRA CPS 234 mandates resilient info sec for Australian finance with strict testing and notifications. Organizations adopt TISAX for contracts, CPS 234 for regulatory compliance.

Cybersecurity

TISAX

Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Secure exchange of assessments via ENX portal
Tiered levels: AL1 self to AL3 onsite audits
Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
VDA ISA catalog with maturity scoring 0-5
Builds on ISO 27001 ISMS framework

Information Security

APRA CPS 234

APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 Information Security

Cost

€€€€

Complexity

High

Implementation Time

12-18 months

Key Features

Board ultimate responsibility for information security
72-hour notification for material incidents to APRA
Third-party managed assets fully in scope
Systematic independent testing of controls
Asset classification by criticality and sensitivity

Detailed Analysis

A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

TISAX Details

What It Is

TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry framework developed by ENX Association and VDA for automotive supply chain security. It standardizes assessments of information protection, focusing on CIA triad and automotive specifics like prototypes. Risk-based approach uses VDA ISA catalog (70+ controls) with maturity levels.

Key Components

Seven control groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access, Cryptography, Operations.
Three assessment levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (onsite).
Built on ISO 27001 ISMS; modular objectives (e.g., prototype protection).
ENX portal for 3-year label exchange; no annual audits.

Why Organizations Use It

Contractual OEM mandates drive adoption; non-compliance risks revenue loss. Benefits: reduces duplicate audits (70-90%), enhances market access, mitigates breaches (€4.5M avg cost), builds trust. Strategic ROI via efficiency, resilience in €2.5T chain.

Implementation Overview

Phased: Preparation (gap analysis), Remediation (controls, table-tops), Audit, Sustainment. 6-18 months; scalable for SMEs to globals. ENX-accredited audits required for labels. Targets OEMs, Tier 1/2 suppliers, service providers.

APRA CPS 234 Details

What It Is

APRA Prudential Standard CPS 234 (Information Security) is a binding regulation issued by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. Effective from 1 July 2019, it mandates risk-based information security governance and cyber resilience for APRA-regulated financial entities, including banks, insurers, and superannuation funds. Its scope covers all information assets, including those managed by third parties, focusing on minimizing impacts to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Key Components

**Governance and accountabilityBoard ultimate responsibility (para 13), defined roles (para 14).
**Core requirementsCapability maintenance, asset classification, commensurate controls, incident response, systematic testing, internal audit assurance.
Approximately 24 paragraphs of enforceable obligations; no fixed control count, but assurance-driven model.
Compliance via evidence of testing, reporting; no formal certification.

Why Organizations Use It

Mandatory for APRA-regulated entities to avoid penalties, enforcement.
Enhances operational resilience, reduces cyber risks, protects stakeholders.
Builds trust, enables sound operations amid threats.

Implementation Overview

Phased approach: gap analysis, policy framework, asset inventory, controls, testing program. Applies to all sizes in Australian financial sector; requires annual testing, 72-hour incident notifications. Internal audit validates compliance.

Key Differences

Aspect	TISAX	APRA CPS 234
Scope	Automotive info sec, prototypes, supply chain	Financial sector info sec, CIA triad, third parties
Industry	Automotive suppliers, global OEMs	Australian banks, insurers, super funds
Nature	Voluntary industry assessment, ENX labels	Mandatory prudential regulation, enforceable
Testing	AL1-3 audits, maturity levels, 3-year validity	Systematic testing, annual reviews, independent audit
Penalties	Contract loss, no labels, reputational	Fines, enforcement, supervisory actions

Scope

TISAX

Automotive info sec, prototypes, supply chain

APRA CPS 234

Financial sector info sec, CIA triad, third parties

Industry

TISAX

Automotive suppliers, global OEMs

APRA CPS 234

Australian banks, insurers, super funds

Nature

TISAX

Voluntary industry assessment, ENX labels

APRA CPS 234

Mandatory prudential regulation, enforceable

Testing

TISAX

AL1-3 audits, maturity levels, 3-year validity

APRA CPS 234

Systematic testing, annual reviews, independent audit

Penalties

TISAX

Contract loss, no labels, reputational

APRA CPS 234

Fines, enforcement, supervisory actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about TISAX and APRA CPS 234

TISAX FAQ

APRA CPS 234 FAQ

You Might also be Interested in These Articles...

How to Implement CIS Controls v8.1 as a ‘Control Backbone’ for NIS2 & DORA (Step-by-Step Implementation Guide)

Deploy CIS Controls v8.1 as a control backbone for NIS2 & DORA compliance. Step-by-step roadmap (IG1→IG2), deliverables, metrics & evidence model for hybrid/clo

The NIS2 "FTE Trap": Why 5 Analysts for 24/7 Security is Actually 8 (and Why the Board Needs to Know)

Exposed: NIS2 FTE Trap math shows 5 analysts fail 24/7 coverage due to sickness, training, leave & 2026 churn. Line-by-line breakdown for compliance. Alert your

CIS Controls v8.1 for Cloud & Kubernetes: A Practical Implementation Playbook (AWS/Azure/GCP + IaC)

Translate CIS Controls v8.1 to cloud-native: Kubernetes patterns for IAM, logging, vuln mgmt, hardening on AWS, Azure, GCP + IaC. Practical playbook for teams.

Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM

Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform

Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.

100+ Standards & Regulations

AI-Powered Insights

Collaborative Assessments

Actionable Recommendations

Explore More Comparisons

See how TISAX and APRA CPS 234 compare against other standards

Other TISAX Comparisons

Other APRA CPS 234 Comparisons

What It Is

Key Components

Seven control groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access, Cryptography, Operations.

Three assessment levels: AL1 (self), AL2 (remote), AL3 (onsite).

Built on ISO 27001 ISMS; modular objectives (e.g., prototype protection).

ENX portal for 3-year label exchange; no annual audits.

What It Is

Key Components

**Governance and accountabilityBoard ultimate responsibility (para 13), defined roles (para 14).

**Core requirementsCapability maintenance, asset classification, commensurate controls, incident response, systematic testing, internal audit assurance.

Approximately 24 paragraphs of enforceable obligations; no fixed control count, but assurance-driven model.

Compliance via evidence of testing, reporting; no formal certification.

Aspect

TISAX

APRA CPS 234

Scope

Automotive info sec, prototypes, supply chain

Financial sector info sec, CIA triad, third parties

Industry

Automotive suppliers, global OEMs

Australian banks, insurers, super funds

Nature

Voluntary industry assessment, ENX labels

Mandatory prudential regulation, enforceable

Testing

AL1-3 audits, maturity levels, 3-year validity

Systematic testing, annual reviews, independent audit

Penalties

Contract loss, no labels, reputational

Fines, enforcement, supervisory actions